11.28.11
love thy neighbourhood

There’s a saying, Love thy neighbor as thyself, but choose your neighborhood.

Your choice of neighbourhood reflects your values, and therefore often attracts like-minded people. We have many great friends but boy, there’s nothing like having a friend who also lives down the street or around the corner. They see you at your worst (early morning walks before the makeup goes on). They see you at your best (all dressed up for prom pictures). They know when your hubby’s away - as you struggle and curse to get the garbage to the curb. They often know more about you than your family and closest friends - at least they know more about the minutia and ins-and-outs of your every day life.

There are those who don’t like the closeness of neighbouring and choose to remain anonymous when it comes to home life, but I find it comforting. I like the waves, smiles, tail-wags, horn-toots and quick chats. I feel an instant warmth and familiarity when I round the corner into our little ‘part of the world’ after a long day in the cold, hard world. To me, a good neighbourhood feels like an extra blanket on the bed - something I don’t always need, but I’m glad is there.

Here’s a wonderful toast to use at your neighbourhood holiday gathering…

Be at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let every new year find you a better person. Benjamin Franklin

Cobi Ladner, Creator and Editor, cobistyle

from my studio

The little Geisha Girls have to be my faves of ‘cobistyle Christmas’. They come in a boxed set of four colours and will look festive and fun through Christmas, New Years, Chinese New Years - even Valentines. Happy Holidays All!